Hero In The Classroom

Each home football game Ole Miss recognizes a student-athlete who has excelled both on the field or court and in the classroom as the "Hero in the Classroom."

Rebel men's tennis senior Johan Backstrom was honored at last Saturday's home opener against Southeast Missouri. He was featured in the game program and on the video board during the third quarter of the game.

At six-foot-five, Backstrom has played a pivotal role on the hard courts for the Rebels while also excelling in the classroom. He is the exemplary student-athlete.

Backstrom helped lead Ole Miss to a top-10 final national ranking, their 10th SEC West title, and the team's 20th consecutive NCAA appearance in 2013. With a 20-14 record in doubles, he ended the year ranked No. 58 in the nation with teammate Stefan Lindmark. Backstrom also posted 24 wins in singles including clinching wins over both No. 6 Tennessee and No. 12 Baylor.

Aside from the tennis courts, Backstrom has a current 3.89 GPA in Banking and Finance. In 2013 he earned ITA Scholar-Athlete, Capital One Academic All-District, and SEC Academic Honor Roll honors. He has been named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll every semester at Ole Miss.

Backstrom has helped the Rebels earn the Chancellor's Cup (given to team with the highest cumulative GPA) and the ITA All-Academic Team Award (requires a minimum GPA of 3.2) every year he's been here.

Stay tuned for more posts on forthcoming student-athletes recognized as the "Hero in the Classroom."

It's great to be a Rebel fan. Coach Freeze
Has brought back the excitement
Competitiveness we all so desire. The
fan base and even our doubters are
Paying attention. Even the whole country
Sport tLk shows ect. Are taking notice.
After we upset Alabama this weekend
38-27 we will bolt to a top 12 or better
Ranking. Go Rebels

I am not and never have been an Ole Miss fan. I am however a Coach Freeze fan. I like what he represents in today's world of big time sports and what he stands for in leading young men of today into a more responsible role. He is everything that Ole Miss has never had. I am on his band wagon winning or losing.